Leslie, who has been in red-hot form over the preseason, received a blow to the upper leg in the opening minutes and will be assessed in the lead-up to the club’s opening round clash against Corowa-Rutherglen on April 3.

Coach Travis Hodgson said yesterday the Hoppers kept Leslie off the ground as a precautionary measure.

“He was a bit sore and probably wouldn’t play this weekend, but I think he’ll be right the following week,” Hodgson said.

“I don’t think it’s anything too serious at this stage.”

Recruit Damian Cupido’s form was the highlight for the Hoppers in their 23-point win.

The former Essendon player kicked five goals before half-time in a brilliant cameo before being thrown into the midfield and picking up a swag of possessions.

Kurt Bradshaw, Matt McDonald and Matt Murray were dangerous at ground level, while Nathan Matsinos proved rock solid in defence.

MCUE coach Chris Willis kicked two goals against his former club.

Meanwhile, Belconnen spearhead Craig Eckersley terrorised the Albury defence in the Magpies’ 24-point win at the Albury Sportsground.

The burly full-forward kicked nine majors opposed to Lloyd Shepherd and Michael Thompson with fellow forward Andrew Ainger, who was linked to Lavington over the off-season, also impressing.

Albury gained strong rebound from defenders Luke Packer and Luke Carroll, while midfielders Chris Hyde, Shaun Daly and Daniel Maher picked up a swag of possessions.

Matt Fowler kicked three goals in his first appearance.

The Tigers were close to full strength with the exception of midfielder Joel Mackie who was unavailable due to cricket commitments with Jindera.